Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Andover, MN: $51,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Andover, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,457 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,241 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,093) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated athletic trainers in Andover, MN can expect starting salaries around $51,457, which positions them below the city's median annual salary of $62,093. This represents a notable gap, illustrating a common trajectory for new professionals in the field. As they gain experience over the first few years in their careers, entry-level trainers can realistically anticipate growth toward the 25th percentile earning level of approximately $56,692. The upward movement in salary can be promising, encouraging new graduates to consider Andover a viable market as they begin their careers, especially considering the projected growth rate of 4.63% annually in the athletic training sector.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Entry-level athletic trainers in Andover, MN typically start between $51,457 and $56,692 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,875 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,093 — 5.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Minnesota of $60,000 represents just 116.60% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($51,457/year) in Andover. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $51,457 to $56,692, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Andover is $34,875 ( 67.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,457, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,332.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,950
2025 BLS Actual
$49,180
2026 Current Est.
$51,457
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,665 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,493 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,635 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,839 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MN grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,950 in 2019 to $49,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,839. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Andover
Entry-level athletic trainers in Andover often find employment opportunities within high school athletic departments, as well as hospital sports medicine programs which frequently outsource athletic training services. While collegiate athletic jobs have a higher entry barrier, requiring graduate assistant roles or internships, the industrial sector provides an alternative route. Many new grads might find positions in factories or distribution centers, where athletic trainers earn significantly higher wages—often 30-50% more than their counterparts in educational settings. To enhance starting salaries in Minnesota, aspiring athletic trainers should focus on obtaining a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program, passing the BOC national exam for ATC credentialing, and securing state licensure. Continuing education and optional specialty certifications such as CSCS or OCS-AT can also provide an edge in this competitive field, especially in the first 1-3 years post-graduation.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov